The awarding of this status was confirmed during a validation audit, with an impressive 98 out of 100 criteria validated across the programme’s seven domains.
This remarkable achievement highlights Trinity’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of its students, staff, and broader community while setting new standards for university health and sustainability worldwide.
The validation audit included comprehensive visits to various campus facilities and meetings with department and service leaders. The audit team praised the cohesion and enthusiasm of Trinity’s staff, highlighting the positive transformations the program has catalysed.
Trinity is now better prepared and organised to embed health and wellness in the university, benefiting not only its students but also the wider community and key stakeholders. Particular commendation was given to the Student Counselling Services (SCS), which recently achieved certification from the International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS).
Global recognition
Trinity’s Student Counselling Services has become the first European university service of its kind to receive IACS accreditation. This global recognition sets benchmarks for professional counselling on college and university campuses worldwide. The rigorous accreditation process involved submitting detailed documentation and undergoing a comprehensive site visit evaluation. The review also included multiple peer assessments areas as Relationships within the college/university community, Counselling and clinical services, Ethical standards, Personnel, and Resources and infrastructure.
Three areas of best practices
The audit also highlighted three areas of excellence at Trinity College Dublin, which FISU will include as “best practices” in its upcoming Healthy Campus Accreditation guide, set for release in January 2025:
- Clubs and Societies: With over 140 active groups, Trinity fosters diverse interests and vibrant student engagement.
- Mental Health Initiatives: The integrated approach of Healthy Trinity and its certified counselling services stands as a model for universities worldwide.
- Living Lab Publications: Trinity has published 12 studies in the Healthy Campus domains, contributing valuable research to the global academic community.
FISU, the International University Sports Federation, commended Trinity College for its commitment to the programme and its innovative approaches. “Healthy Trinity is an exemplary case of how a university can integrate wellness into its academic and operational framework,” noted the FISU audit team.
Trinity College Dublin: a legacy of excellence
Founded in 1592, Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s leading university, renowned for its liberal academic environment and commitment to ground-breaking research. Home to over 22,000 students, the university blends a rich heritage with modern innovation. Trinity’s legacy includes luminaries such as Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett (Nobel Laureate), William Rowan Hamilton, and Ernest Walton (Nobel Laureate).
Located in the heart of Dublin, the campus is a hub of creativity, scholarship, and societal reform, embodying the institution’s mission to engage with global challenges.
A milestone worth celebrating
The recognition as a Platinum Healthy Campus and its distinction as a leader in the seven domains of this programme, with sport services and student mental health care marks a significant milestone for Trinity College Dublin. Congratulations to the entire Trinity community for their dedication to excellence and innovation in health and wellness!
Bottom Row: Michelle Tanner, MBA, MA, Director of Sport & Physical Activity; Ivo Carvalhosa, FISU Development and Healthy Campus Coordinator; and Martina Mullin Healthy Campus Manager.
